Correspondent
WOKHA, JUN 25 (NPN): Several shop owners along the stretch between Police Point and Mother Church in Wokha have voiced concern over the recently enforced no-parking regulation, stating that the measure has negatively impacted their businesses.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, the shop owners stated that stones have been placed along the roadside to prevent vehicles from parking in the area. They alleged that this restriction has led to a decline in customer footfall, as many potential buyers avoid stopping due to the lack of convenient parking facilities.
Small businesses, which rely heavily on walk-in customers, have reportedly been hit the hardest. Unlike larger commercial complexes with designated parking spaces, local shops depend on roadside accessibility. Shop owners further claimed that the arrangement has inconvenienced pedestrians, including students, churchgoers and members of the public who frequently use the stretch, as the stones placed along the roadside obstruct walking paths.
Expressing concern over their livelihoods, the shopkeepers said the drop in sales has added financial strain, with many struggling to meet expenses such as rent and household needs. While acknowledging the importance of traffic regulations for road safety and smooth flow of vehicles, they maintained that the current arrangement has had unintended consequences for local commerce.
The shop owners suggested that allowing parking on one side of the road could strike a balance between traffic management and business activity. They also noted that the stretch between Police Point and Mother Church is not generally known for severe traffic congestion and expressed hope that the authorities would review the regulation in light of their concerns.